Abstract

Snapchat is emerging as a popular image-based instant messaging service. Aiming to provide the firstinsight into the characteristics of Snapchat users, this study (N ¼ 235) drew on the limited existingSnapchat research base, uses and gratifications theory, and other social media research to derive a rangeof research questions about Snapchat users vs. non-users. As hypothesised, Snapchat users were younger,placed significantly more importance on social connectedness than non-users, reported significantlygreater reliance on graphics in communication, were more likely engage with technology regularly, hadgreater comfort with technological multitasking, and showed a stronger preference for online socialinteraction than non-users. However, in contrast to predictions, a desire for instantaneous interactionand reward was not significantly associated with Snapchat use. The findings are considered in terms of aproposed research agenda, including relevant theoretical paradigms (such as belongingness, technologyacceptance, psycholinguistic, and semiotic theories) and applied outcomes (such as social capital andcommunication). Frameworks for future Snapchat research are provided.